SCANNING HELP

The Sane interface provides access to image processing devices such as scanners. You can manage your Sane-supported scanner from Linux with the handy XSane front-end.

A scanner sometimes comes bundled with free software you can use for operating the device. Unfortunately, the software often only runs on Windows or (maybe) Windows and OS X. If you are a Linux user and you’re looking for a GUI to talk to your scanners, try XSane. XSane [1] is a graphical scanner front-end based of the Sane programming interface [2]. Sane is an acronym for Scanner Access Now Easy. The Sane programming interface sets a standard for access to image processing devices. The drivers for the image processing devices used with XSane, including scanners, are referred to in the Sane world as back-ends. If Sane has a back-end that matches your scanner, the installation process is really quite simple (see the “Setting Up Your Scanner” box.) Sane operations are controlled by front-ends. XSane is one example of a Sane front-end. Other Sane front-ends include tools such as Kooka [3] and QuiteInsane [4]. This article describes how to operate your scanner from a Linux computer using the XSane front-end.

Klaus Knopper is the creator of Knoppix and co-founder of the LinuxTag expo. He currently works as a teacher, programmer, and consultant. If you have a configuration problem, or if you just want to learn more about how Linux works, send your questions to: klaus@linux-magazine.com